By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Trust Charity, continued its commitment to improving education in Nigeria by donating essential school supplies to students at Gbaja Girls (Junior and Senior) High School, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The initiative, launched in 2021, focuses on empowering both girls and boys in public schools across the country. To date, the program has reached over 15,000 students in 35 schools across nine states, including Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory. As part of the intervention, students receive school bags, uniforms, sandals, books, and pens, alongside training in brain development techniques and emotional intelligence. The initiative also includes teacher training programs, all fully sponsored by Polaris Bank.
Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to education, particularly for the girl-child. She emphasized that as a signatory to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking, the bank aligns its initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
“This event is not just about distributing educational materials but about empowering young girls for greater opportunities. Educated girls grow into informed women, and at Polaris Bank, we are committed to bridging the education gap and fostering sustainability,” Ozomah stated.
According to UNESCO, Nigeria has approximately 10.5 million out-of-school children, with six million being girls. Ozomah urged students to seize the opportunity that education presents, adding that Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its support.
“Education is the most powerful tool at your disposal. Polaris Bank will continue to champion initiatives that empower young girls to drive the change needed for a better society,” she added.
Programme Manager at Evolve Trust Charity, Ejeh Godwin, praised Polaris Bank’s unwavering support since joining the initiative in 2021.
“We couldn’t have come this far without Polaris Bank’s backing. Their support has allowed us to expand our reach, and we hope to extend this initiative to more schools across additional states this year,” Godwin noted.
The Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior High School, Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank for selecting the school as a beneficiary.
“This initiative has greatly boosted the morale of both students and staff. We deeply appreciate Polaris Bank for this intervention,” she said.
Assistant Senior Girl of the school, Bankole Oreofeoluwa Emmanuella, also extended her appreciation, promising to make good use of the donated items.
The initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s ongoing commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and enhancing access to quality education, particularly for young girls.
